Harry Cullen, from the Northern Ireland Conservatives, has congratulated Cricket Ireland on its ambitious plan to make Ireland a test playing nation by 2020.
“Cricket on the island of Ireland is enjoying a golden age and it’s wonderful that Cricket Ireland intends to build upon its recent successes by taking the sport on to the next stage. Test cricket is the pinnacle of the international game and it will benefit Irish players immensely to compete against the best, not to mention the inspiration it will provide to aspiring cricketers and other young people who are curious about the sport.”
“Of course Stormont is one of the principle venues for the Ireland team. Imagine the excitement when five day test match cricket comes to Belfast and the economic benefits which it can bring to Northern Ireland! During the last world cup, Ireland recorded a famous victory against England in a one-day match. I look forward to seeing the Irish team beat England in a full test match at Stormont!”